The weather let up a little bit today, and i decided to give the '55 some love and go for a drive. She started right up, kept a good warming idle, and after about 5 min i was on my way to the gas station. The car was doing great, nobody was on the road, the sun was peeking in and out of the light grey clouds, and life was good. i arrive at the gas station, pump my gas and then i hit the highway. Cruising speed as about 68 mph, and the nailhead under the hood was very happy to be doing what she does best. i caught the flop on the gold pearl from a split second when the sun hit it as i was driving down highway 4 west. man, i was feeling really good. so after about 45 min of driving on the hwy i took an exit and decided to take the back roads home. a few little drops of water were falling from the sky, but it diddnt matter, i was one happy camper. what else could i want? im driving through pittsburg and still, nobody is on the road or on the street. except for one lady standing at a stop light, obviously on her morning walk/jog. she starts to cross the street smiles and asks me "WHAT KIND OF CAR IS THAT?" i smile back and tell her, "55 buick" she nods and keeps on truckin. man.... i was on top of the world. But i got to thinking, there was a time in this country when detroit was pumping out steel like this every year for years and years. different makes and models. there was chrome,there were lines, there was style. people used to wait eagerly to find out what the new year model was going to be. A time when people could tell what make a car was (for the most part) when it was gliding down the street.a time when people really viewed their cars as much as part of the family as say...the family dog...HELL a son or daughter even, and not just as a vehicle to commute to and from work. and although im pretty young for the most part, i find sentimental value in each of my cl***sics and cherrish them to no end. and when i do see a hot rod, or custom, or cl***ic going down the road, it cathces my eye instantly, and admire its beauty as it p***es. where am i going with this? i dont know really. its just nice to be a part of something that i know many others are as p***ionate about as me.
An Oldsmobile signature line, a Nailhead, a happy drive and you live in Antioch and relished a drive thru PITTSburgh? Oh you poor thing, we can get you help! Cute story, always fun to just enjoy the moment and reflect back on what was, instead of focusing on what is. =O)
Nice story! I had a good weekend too driving around in my '64 & a photo shoot for upcoming magazine article. Saturday included a trip to a big tattoo convention in town. Had to chuckle a little though at all these people expressing their individuality to the world by adorning themselves with ink & studs, yet when I walked out in the parking lot all I saw was late model plain jane japboxes - go figure. I felt even better cruising after that....
all i need is a pontiac and the circle is complete. got the buick, got the olds....and downtown pitt. is a nice drive, that cant be denied but you're right...i do need help!
Hahaha, yah no, the Pontiac gods are very selfish.......only one denomination for their followers. =OP I'm always up there, I'll keep an eye out for you and your confused self!
yep. it was a better time ( i ***ume ) back then.... sure seems like it was anyway. ****s that the automotive industry has evolved into what it is today.
Great little piece you shared.....just surprised the lady actually asked a question......If you hadnt been in the old car she wouldnt have even notice you pull up next to her. Goes to show there was more trust back in the day and it all had to do with the CAR!
There is something special about taking your cl***ic out on a cruise. Even pulling into a station to fill up. People look, notice, smile. Add to that the feeling of accomplishment when you've brought one back from the brink and it's probably one of the most rewarding experiences one can have. Stick your cl***ic in a parking lot of late models and it just shines like a jewel.. even if you're into the flat paint jobs!
The Jalopy Journal
